Gaelscoil na Móna

Overview

Gaelscoil na Móna is described as having a “welcoming and inclusive ethos” where children feel “valued and supported” within a strong “family” atmosphere. The school community is deeply committed to its vision of “Striving together for achievement” and maintains robust links with the local community. However, the report highlights significant challenges regarding leadership structures, planning processes, and initial safeguarding arrangements, though subsequent progress has been made in the latter area.

Strengths

• A “warm, welcoming and supportive learning environment” characterised by positive relationships and “caring and approachable” staff.
• Children possess a “very good understanding of Irish” and speak the language with “increasing confidence” and pride.
• Strong community engagement through partnerships with local schools, groups, and agencies that “enrich the learning experiences of the children.”
• Effective support for children’s emotional well-being and inclusion, with Individual Education Plans devised with input from parents and children.

Areas to improve

• Review and clarify the roles and responsibilities of leaders at all levels and re-establish processes of self-evaluation and whole-school planning.
• Review and develop planning, teaching, and assessment to ensure steady progression in learning and raise standards for all children.
• Establish a systematic, rotational review cycle for all pastoral and safeguarding policies to ensure they remain current.

Safeguarding

While initial arrangements did not align sufficiently with statutory guidance, a progress inspection confirmed that a comprehensive policy is now in place, aligned to current guidance, with clear roles and training completed for all staff and governors.